Which of the following represents the empirical formula for the compound with the molecular formula x_4y_8?

• A. xy
• B. x_4y_8
• C. xy_2
• D. x_2y_4

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula given: \(x_4y_8\).
2. Recall that the empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
3. Determine the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the subscripts in the molecular formula. Here, the subscripts are 4 for \(x\) and 8 for \(y\).
4. Divide each subscript in the molecular formula by the GCD to simplify the ratio: \(\frac{4}{4} = 1\) for \(x\) and \(\frac{8}{4} = 2\) for \(y\).
5. Write the empirical formula using the simplified subscripts: \(xy_2\).